beans

I was in DC over the weekend and noticed that in this fine city recycling containers are as ubiquitous as trash cans and there is information everywhere about the positive impact of recycling. This is great, I’m a life-long recycler and big fan of the idea, however, recycling is the third R, the last eco-friendly resort, after REDUCE and REUSE.

Here are 5 simple ways we can reduce our impact on earth

Buy in bulk less packaging, less trips to the store. This can apply to dried goods like nuts and grains but also to yogurt and sauces and beverages.

Use plastic grocery bags as trash bags they are the right size for bathrooms and good for kitchens too; maybe a smaller bag will help you generate less waste! Or, Bring re-usable bags to the store with you DC charges a $0.05 bag fee for paper or plastic.

Host a clothes exchangecall it a Naked Lady, Grab n’ Gab, Clothes Toss or whatever you want, the premise is another woman’s awkward fitting, twice worn anthropologie top is now your treasure. Most of my wardrobe is from clothes exchanges and it’s a simple, very fun and rewarding way to reduce your consumption.

Make beans from scratch rather than buying cans beans freeze really well and than there’s the added bonus that a full freezer is more energy efficient. Plus, no BPA concerns if you freeze in glass jars.

This list is by no list comprehensive, I was going to ones that I’ve included in my daily life and that are so simple that you won’t even have to go out of your way to make a big change. Please share your own ideas for REDUCING our consumption of goods and resources!

Some of my favorite foods are also the most versatile ones; eggs, yogurt, muffins, cheese, greens, oats. Each one has a multitude of uses and they can stand on their own or easily incorporate into a dish. Be it breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks, there is a place for these foods!

This tart is the same way.

It’s a quiche. No, it’s a pastel. No, it’s a savory pie. I suppose that, like most versatile foods, it can be whatever you want. 😉 I want a tart.

Green ‘n Bean Tart

Makes many servings but the exact number I hesitate to say. Is it a snack? Main course? Appetizer? I’ll just give it a range of 4-8 servings.

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Hi, I'm Faith! New? Check out I Am for my story, I Cook for recipes, and I Move for some motivation to get moving! I'd love to hear from you, e-mail me gracefulfitness@live.com
Header photo: Meredith Coe